Operational Support Officer - HMP Kilmarnock

Mauchline Road, Kilmarnock, KA1 5AA

Permanent, Full-time, 40 Hrs

Salary: £20,408.76

Here at Serco, we are looking for a Operational Support Officer to join the Security Teams at HMP Kilmarnock. Reporting into the Custodial Operations Manager, you will operate in several areas within the establishment including, but not limited to, security, visits, industries, education and the residential functions. It is important you maintain a high standard of professional service when dealing with all staff, prisoners, visitors and the general public, as part of your role will focus on customer relations.

As our new OSO, you will provide administrative support to all the functions covered under the OSO role, including the maintenance of accurate prisoner records, prisoner work/activity attendance registers, prisoner training logs and location/regime changes, prisoner application responses and Prisoner Escort Records (PERs). You will operate and maintain all computer systems in the department and maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards in all areas. 

Your role will have a variety of duties which will help you obtain experience and knowledge, as well as some correspondence duties like searching mail coming in and out of the prison for prisoners, CCTV monitoring. The role will also involve minimum interaction with prisoners if not any at all. Other key activities will include:

• Monitoring CCTV, communications, and alarm systems ensuring the safe control of all movements within the establishment and maintaining accurate records of vehicles and prisoner movement numbers.
• Receiving deliveries into the establishment and ensure all vehicles are searched and escorted upon entry and departure from the premises, this includes emergency vehicles.
• Operating the visits booking (legal/social), visits entry and CMS biometric systems, carry out searches of all visitors to the establishment, carry out property searches where applicable).

What you will need to do the role:

First and foremost, you will have experience of working in a similar environment and a basic understanding of security. You must have a good standard of education and it is desirable for you to have 5 GCSEs Grades C and above or an acceptable equivalent in English and Maths. This role will also involve administrative tasks as part of your day to day duties; therefore, you will need to be computer literate with the ability to maintain systems relevant to the area you will operate in.

Due to the nature of the role, it is important to display a common-sense approach to your workload, with the capacity to make reasonable decisions and lead by example. As an OSO, you will be required to work on a 7-day shift pattern including nights so you must keep a flexible approach towards work. This is a great role for someone who is confident in their ability to work alone using their own initiative, as well as maintaining good working relationships with colleagues within their team.

Why Serco:

Meaningful and vital work - The nature of our business means you will do interesting work that matters - delivering essential services that touch people's lives

A world of opportunity - Our diverse UK-wide operations offer unrivalled opportunities to learn and develop. You'll be able to broaden your experience and apply your skills in new ways.

Great people - We are a motivated team who will encourage you and help you to succeed. You'll have the resources you need to do your job in a diverse and supportive environment. 

What we offer:

• Serco Benefits package
• Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Serco discounts which include cinema, merlin entertainment and online shopping discounts, cycle to work scheme and discounts on mobile phone plans and leisure centre memberships.
• A safe and supportive culture
• The chance to make a positive difference to the prison and court systems
• A company passionate about diversity and inclusion

About Serco

At Serco, not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play, from caring for vulnerable people to managing complex public services.  We are a team of 50,000 people responsible for delivering essential public services around the world in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We are innovators, committed to redesigning and improving public services for the benefit of everyone.

By joining Serco you will have unlimited access to our Global Employee Networks - SercoInspire (Gender), SercoEmbrace (Multicultural), SercoUnlimited (Disability) and In@Serco (LGBT & Networks). Serco Employee Networks, led by colleagues who are passionate about diversity, inclusion and belonging. 

Apply

Please click on the apply button to complete your application. Occasionally we receive a large volume of applications for our roles and when that happens we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment. 

We're a Disability Confident employer and are committed to equal opportunities. If you have any additional queries, requirements or you need more time to apply, then please contact our recruitment team directly on 0345 010 4000. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.

Serco supports fair access to employment for those with unspent criminal convictions through the 'Ban the Box' pledge (some may be exempt due to the nature of the role and the security clearance required).